2 giorni fa
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The captain scored from open play after eight months. Gattuso believes he must become the team's difference-maker.
A goal signals his return to a starring role with Lazio (here's the fantasy football analysis of the Biancocelesti squad). On Sunday, in the friendly against Ascoli, Mattia Zaccagni scored from open play for the first time in eight months. He had found the net in the rout against Flaminia, but that was from the penalty spot. His last goal before that was on 4th December: a decisive header against AC Milan to secure passage to the Quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. That goal ultimately proved to be the final addition to his seasonal tally of four. A disappointing return for a player of his goalscoring calibre. A series of physical issues plagued a season that had already started with an inevitable delay in pre-season preparation due to a groin operation at the end of June. Among these physical problems was a thigh injury last March, which prevented him from being called up for Italy's play-offs against Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Rino Gattuso also referenced that missed opportunity when, after agreeing to join Lazio, he immediately called the Biancocelesti captain. The former national team coach emphasised his importance to Lazio's new project, both as an attacker and a leader.
Prospects
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Arriving at Formello in 2021, he was brought in by Sarri, who transformed him into a left winger in a 4-3-3 formation from the attacking midfielder role he played at Verona. Under 'the Commander's' guidance in 2022-23, he reached his peak as a goalscorer, netting ten league goals. In the 2024-25 season, under Baroni, he dropped deeper to participate more in the build-up phase. These duties are expected to continue with the restoration of the 4-2-3-1, Ringhio's preferred system, in addition to the 4-3-3. Gattuso expects Zaccagni to re-establish himself as a prolific goalscorer. Lazio sorely missed his goals last season. The captain feels re-energised and, crucially, is regaining his best form. He is eager to lead Lazio on the pitch once more. "The team is working very well. We are quite calm," he stated after the friendly against Avellino. As captain, he also addressed the issue of fan protests against the club, which will lead to a boycott of the Stadio Olimpico, as happened in the latter part of last season. "We need to isolate ourselves somewhat from what's happening outside. Nobody likes the situation, but it must be respected, and we have to give 100% every time we step onto the pitch." His relationship with Lazio remains strong, despite his contract running until 2029. His agent, Mario Giuffredi, reiterated this to Sportitalia: "Mattia is Lazio's captain. He is very happy in Rome, so his future will be with the Biancocelesti, especially as he has reunited with a coach who took him to the national team and holds him in very high regard."
This article was originally written in Italian by La Gazzetta dello Sport editor. The English version has been generated using AI translation tools. If you notice any translation errors or have suggestions, please contact us at iniziativegazzetta@rcs.it
